Tenure, agricultural investment, and productivity in the customary tenure sector of Malawi

According to a recent study of land tenure institutions in 57 communities located throughout Malawi, the matrilocal-matrilineal systems have been replaced by the patrilocal-patrilineal systems in many areas, particularly in the central region. Clearly, what implications this land tenure transformation has for agricultural development needs to be scrutinized using microlevel household data. In this study, we aim to address the impact of various tenure arrangements on agricultural development and productivity. Specifically, the study will improve the understanding about the adoption process, the performance of tobacco, and the profitability and prospect of a maize green revolution on small-holder farms in the customary land tenure sector of Malawi. The impact of tenure institutions on incentives for making long-term investments to boost agricultural production will also be addressed. Finally, we explore the degree to which farmers have planted trees as inputs into tobacco because, for burley tobacco, trees are used to make drying sheds every season. A major concern of the government and donors is that the increase of burley tobacco production is leading to detrimental environmental consequences through the deforestation of woodlands.